Auburn Montgomery announces $12.5 million comprehensive campaign

November 14, 2012

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – More than 200 alumni and supporters of Auburn University at Montgomery gathered at the university’s new Wellness Center on Nov. 1 to launch “Imagine. Invest. Inspire. A Campaign for Auburn University at Montgomery.” This $12.5 million comprehensive campaign will focus on four primary projects – endowment opportunities, the Wellness Center, Funds for Excellence, and a new academic building with science laboratory space. Guests traveled from as far away as Illinois, Florida, South Carolina, and Virginia/D.C.to celebrate this momentous occasion in the history of the university.

Among the several featured alumni were Gen. Richard Myers, 16th Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Cmdr. Richard Marcinko, founder of SEAL Team 6; and Danielle Ward Mason, attorney with Beasley Allen. Montgomery businessman Carl Whatley, chair of “Imagine. Invest. Inspire.” was also a distinguished guest and speaker.

“I have seen alumni and friends becoming engaged with this university at an unprecedented level,” said Whatley, a 1983 alumnus who is leading a team of 90 National Campaign Cabinet members. “I am looking forward in the coming months to working alongside the cabinet members, the chancellor and the talented advancement staff in sharing all the exciting opportunities and possibilities for AUM in our local communities and nationally where alumni and friends are engaged and excitedabout supporting their university.”

The university has already received overwhelming financial support from donors and friends including Whatley, Ida Belle Young, Prince Khaled, Tom Clement, and Dottie Blair. Additionally, more than 88 percent of AUM’s employees recently made contributions to the university, and the campaign has reached 73 percent of its $12.5 million goal.

“While reaching our goal will be a notable achievement in the life of the university, what is more important is the impact this campaign will have on future generations of AUM students,” said Carolyn C. Golden, Auburn Montgomery’s vice chancellor for advancement.

AUM Chancellor John G. Veres III said, “I am looking forward to continuing the excellent work with Campaign Chairman Carl Whatley and Vice Chancellor Carolyn Golden as they meet with our many alumni and friends to share our excitement about the future of Auburn Montgomery. Investing in AUM not only makes a difference in the lives of our students, but will impact the communities they serve for generations to come.”

Learn more about “Imagine. Invest. Inspire.” by calling the Auburn Montgomery Office of Advancement at 334-244-3369 or visiting www.aum.edu/imagine.